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About this quote

What does it mean?
Discomfort with one's own identity drives a stronger desire to imitate others.
In plain terms
The more unhappy you are with being you, the more you want to be like someone else.
What can you take from it?
Embrace your unique identity to reduce the urge to copy others.

Where it applies

  • social media influence
  • peer relationships
  • self-esteem issues

Putting it to work

  • practice self-compassion
  • define personal values
  • limit comparison

Questions to consider

  • How often do you compare yourself to others?
  • What makes you unique?

Another view

Imitation is also a natural part of learning and socialization.

More from Eric Hoffer

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  2. The most gifted members of the human species are at their creative best when they cannot have their way, and must compensate for what they miss by realizing an…

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